Chemical Peels

The presence of fine lines, sun damage, and uneven skin tone can be disheartening, as it usually signals the aging process taking hold. While we cannot stop time, there are proven methods available that help restore youthful, radiant skin. Chemical peels have proven effective at removing damaged skin layers and promoting cellular renewal for a more vibrant appearance. As one of the top medical spas in the Sacramento area, Destination Aesthetics™ offers advanced chemical peel treatments in El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento, CA, to help our patients achieve skin that looks more refreshed and healthy.

How Chemical Peels Refresh and Renew Your Skin

A chemical peel is an exfoliation technique designed to penetrate below the surface of the skin in order to regenerate the skin on the face, neck, or hands. Exfoliation occurs using a chemical that causes layers of skin to blister and eventually peel off. The skin that remains is smoother, softer, and healthier.

Many people choose to receive a chemical peel because of how quickly it can be performed as well as its ability to effectively reduce many skin conditions.

Woman touching her clear, glowing skin after a chemical peel treatment at Destination Aesthetics

How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost Near Sacramento?

Both SkinMedica® and OBAGI® chemical peels are priced based on the type and depth of treatment, so your final cost will depend on the personalized treatment plan you and your aesthetician create during your consultation.

Close-up of smooth complexion highlighting results from chemical peel facial at Destination Aesthetics

DA Is Proud to offer SkinMedica® and OBAGI® Chemical Peels

At Destination Aesthetics, we offer five different peels for varying degrees of skin imperfection. Both SkinMedica® and OBAGI® peels are clinically proven to correct many of the skin conditions that accelerate the aging process and use specific formulations to restore your appearance.

SkinMedica Illuminize Peel®: A chemical peel advised for individuals with mild skin imperfections like fine lines or slight sun damage.

SkinMedica Vitalize Peel®: A mild to moderate chemical peel that reduces the same imperfections as the Illuminize Peel®, but also treats acne scarring and skin discoloration.

SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel™: A peel recommended for those with moderate to severe skin imperfections that produces noticeable results just after one session.

OBAGI Blue Peel RADIANCE®: A salicylic acid peel designed for those who have experience receiving chemical peels and who wish to achieve tighter and smoother skin.

Meet the #DAG's

A #DAG is a Destination Aesthetics™ girl or guy who believes in equality, freedom, love, acceptance, and peace.

As nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed estheticians, we combine our years of experience and artistry in our craft with a passion for bringing out the very best in you. We are family-centric teammates on a mission to help you live your best and most beautiful life.

Smiling woman with radiant skin after chemical peel treatment at Destination Aesthetics

Benefits Of Chemical Peels

Improved skin texture and smoothness

Acne and blackhead reduction

Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Stimulated collagen production

Evening of skin tone and pigmentation

Reduced sun damage appearance

Chemical Peels Vs. Laser Resurfacing

Both chemical peels and laser resurfacing are powerful skin rejuvenation options that improve tone, texture, and visible signs of aging. The main difference lies in their approach: chemical peels use professional-grade solutions to gently remove damaged surface layers, while lasers use targeted light energy to resurface and stimulate deeper collagen renewal.

At Destination Aesthetics™, we help patients decide which treatment, or combination of treatments, will give them the best results for their skin type, lifestyle, and goals. Some clients choose chemical peels for their customizable strength and minimal downtime, while others prefer the longer-lasting results of laser resurfacing. For many, a combination of both offers the most comprehensive refresh.

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Chemical Peels

Laser Resurfacing

Best for

Dullness, fine lines, uneven tone, acne scars, sun damage

Deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, texture irregularities, tightening skin

Results begin

Noticeable glow within a week; refreshed look that can be repeated regularly

More dramatic, long-lasting improvements after a single treatment series (usually 1–3 laser sessions spaced a few months apart)

Results last

3–6 months, depending on peel depth and ongoing skincare (lighter peels fade faster, deeper peels last longer)

1–3 years, depending on skin condition and aftercare (touch-ups may be needed every few years)

Treatment Areas

Face, neck, chest, hands, and even body spots with discoloration

Primarily face and neck; sometimes chest, but not typically used on larger body areas

Treatment Feel

Quick application, mild tingling or warmth, usually no anesthesia

Heat sensation, often numbing cream applied for comfort

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Laser Resurfacing

Best for

Deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, texture irregularities, tightening skin

Results begin

More dramatic, long-lasting improvements after a single treatment series (usually 1–3 laser sessions spaced a few months apart)

Results last

1–3 years, depending on skin condition and aftercare (touch-ups may be needed every few years)

Treatment Areas

Primarily face and neck; sometimes chest, but not typically used on larger body areas

Treatment Feel

Heat sensation, often numbing cream applied for comfort

Chemical Peels For Men

Our male patients enjoy the natural-looking skin rejuvenation they get from chemical peel treatments. Our aestheticians tailor these treatments so patients look refreshed yet masculine, addressing concerns like razor burn, acne scarring, and professional appearance enhancement. Learn about more treatments that are popular with our male clients by visiting our DA™ Men page.

Man with clear complexion after chemical peel treatment at Destination Aesthetics

Can Chemical Peels Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Combining chemical peels with other med spa treatments is a great way to achieve even more gorgeous results. We often recommend combining chemical peel treatments with:

Woman with radiant skin touching face after CoolPeel laser treatment at Destination Aesthetics

CoolPeel®

HydraFacial®

Ultherapy®

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What To Expect At Your Chemical Peel Appointment

Curious what it’s like to get a chemical peel at Destination Aesthetics™? From the moment you arrive to the moment you see your refreshed skin, the process is designed to be simple, comfortable, and effective. Here’s how it unfolds:

Step 1

Your Consultation

Your visit begins with a personal consultation. One of our licensed providers will sit down with you to talk about your skin goals, review your medical history, and examine your complexion up close. This helps us choose the right peel strength and formula so your results are safe, customized, and natural-looking.

Step 2

Your Treatment

Once your plan is set, your skin will be cleansed and prepped with a special solution that ensures the peel works effectively. The chemical solution is then carefully applied in a very controlled way. Most clients describe the sensation as mild tingling or warmth that lasts only a few minutes. Treatments are quick, usually 15 to 30 minutes, making them easy to fit into your day.

Step 3

Your Recovery & Results

After treatment, your skin begins its renewal process. You may notice some light flaking or peeling over the next several days as damaged skin sheds away. Within about a week, fresher, smoother skin is revealed. With proper skincare and sun protection, your results can last for months, and you can schedule maintenance peels to keep your glow going strong.

Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Both SkinMedica® and OBAGI® chemical peels are safe treatments when applied in proper concentrations by credentialed professionals. Both product lines are FDA-approved, have long track records of safety, and carry a very low likelihood of adverse effects when administered correctly.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Chemical Peel Treatments?

Most side effects from chemical peels are minor and short-lived. You may notice some of the following as your skin renews:

  • Mild redness or sensitivity for a few days
  • Light peeling or flaking as old skin sheds
  • Slight swelling that resolves within 1–3 days
  • Temporary darkening in treated spots (rare)
  • Increased sun sensitivity for 2–4 weeks

These effects are part of the natural healing process and fade as your skin recovers. More serious complications are rare, especially when peels are performed by trained professionals.

Upward view of woman smiling and touching face, showcasing rejuvenated skin from chemical peel at Destination Aesthetics

More Chemical Peel FAQs

The frequency of chemical peel treatments depends on the type and depth of peel you receive. Superficial peels, such as the SkinMedica Illuminize Peel®, can typically be performed every 4-6 weeks as part of a regular skincare maintenance routine. Medium-depth peels like the SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel™ require 3-6 months between treatments to allow complete healing and optimal results. Your aesthetician will create a personalized treatment schedule based on your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals.

Makeup application after chemical peels varies depending on the peel depth and your individual healing process. For lighter peels, you may be able to apply makeup the next day, while deeper peels may require 3-7 days before makeup application is recommended. We provide detailed post-treatment instructions including specific timing guidelines for your peel type, recommended products, and application techniques to ensure optimal healing and results.
Yes, chemical peels are highly effective for improving acne scarring through controlled exfoliation and collagen stimulation. Different peel depths target various types of scarring – superficial peels help with minor textural irregularities and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while medium-depth peels can significantly improve moderate acne scarring. Multiple treatment sessions are typically recommended for optimal scar improvement, and we often combine chemical peels with other treatments like microneedling for enhanced results.
Most patients find chemical peel treatments quite comfortable, reporting only mild tingling, warmth, or slight stinging during application. The sensation is temporary and typically subsides within minutes as the peel is neutralized. We take measures to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment, including using cooling techniques and monitoring your skin’s response. Any post-treatment discomfort is generally minimal and can be managed with gentle skincare and cool compresses as needed.
The healing process varies by peel depth, but most patients experience some degree of peeling or flaking as the damaged skin layers shed. Light peels may cause minimal peeling lasting 2-3 days, while deeper peels can involve more significant peeling for 7-10 days. During this time, it’s essential to keep your skin moisturized, avoid sun exposure, and follow our detailed aftercare instructions. The revealed skin underneath will be smoother, brighter, and more even-toned.
Absolutely! We offer various peel formulations specifically designed for sensitive skin types. During your consultation, we thoroughly assess your skin sensitivity, medical history, and any current skincare products to determine the most appropriate peel option. We may start with gentler formulations and gradually progress to stronger treatments as your skin builds tolerance. Our experienced team ensures safe, effective treatments for all skin types.
Proper preparation is essential for optimal results and safety. We typically recommend discontinuing certain skincare ingredients like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, and prescription treatments 3-7 days before your appointment. Sun exposure should be minimized, and we may recommend a pre-treatment skincare regimen to optimize your skin’s condition. During your consultation, we provide a comprehensive preparation checklist tailored to your specific treatment plan.
Initial results often become visible within 3-7 days as the old skin begins to peel away, revealing fresher skin underneath. However, the full benefits of your chemical peel develop over 2-4 weeks as cellular renewal continues and collagen production increases. For optimal results addressing specific concerns like acne scarring or sun damage, a series of treatments may be recommended, with cumulative improvements becoming more apparent with each session.

Most patients see improvement after 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Yes, chemical peels effectively reduce vertical lip lines and improve overall lip area texture.

Want To Know More?

If you would like more information about Destination Aesthetics and the services we provide, give us a call! We would be happy to sit down and talk to you about your cosmetic options and answer any questions that you may have.

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